Kolkata Temple Vandalism Rumor Dispelled: Police Link West Port Incident To Child Assault Case

Kolkata Police have addressed recent disturbances in West Port, clarifying that social media reports about vandalism at a Kali temple or puja mandap are inaccurate. Officials stated that the unrest stemmed from a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case, with tensions escalating between groups connected to the victim and the accused. The situation intensified when some individuals began throwing stones and causing minor damage in the area.

Police intervened promptly, dispersing the crowd and safeguarding the nearby Kali Puja pandal from further harm. Authorities emphasized that “false claims can unnecessarily heighten tensions and distract from the real issue, which is the safety and justice for a child who was reportedly sexually assaulted. ” The accused in the POCSO case was quickly apprehended following the report. Meanwhile, for Kali Puja 2024, Mamata Banerjee offered prayers at her Kalighat residence in Kolkata.